Ramadan are one of the most eagerly awaited months of the year for all Muslims in the world. Around 87 percent of Indonesia populate also much-awaited and celebrate the heavenly month of Ramadan.
Each region in Indonesia has a different tradition of welcoming Ramadan. The traditions in indonesia of welcoming Ramadan passed down from generation to generation to preserve culture and customs.
It’s no wonder that each tradition that Indonesian people perform when welcoming the holy month of Ramadan has a deep meaning that aims to purify themselves, pray for each other, forgive each other, and establish friendship by welcoming the holy month of Ramadan.
So, there are 3 of these traditions in Indonesia to welcome the month of Ramadan.
Munggahan – West Java
Munggahan actually a tradition before the month of Ramadan that’s often performed by people in West Java. This tradition performed about one or two days before the month of fast.
During the process, people will have picnics together at destinations, eat together, visit graveyards, or clean places of religious worship. In the past, people, especially boys, would go to the river for bathing, as a mark of purifying themselves for the beginning of Ramadan.
Ramadan Traditions Megibung – Bali
Balinese Muslims usually hold a Megibung, or cooking and eating together, in a circle while sitting cross-legged on the floor. They welcome the month of Ramadan with this event.
The locals will cook traditional dishes, including rice and side dishes. The rice placed in a banana leaf-covered container called “gibungan”, and the side dishes are also served on banana leaves called “karangan”.
Ramadan Traditions Nyadran – Central Java
Nyadran a tradition practiced by Central Javanese before Ramadan. This tradition grave a pilgrimage that’s carried out in large numbers by the people who want to visit the graves of their families.
The event divided into three stages, namely Kenduri or reading the Quran, dhikr, tahlil, Sholat and ended with eating together while layering roadside carpets and served traditional food. The event then continues with Besik or grave cleaning and ends with a pilgrimage.